10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 31 July – 6 August
1. EastSide Arts Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 31-6 August. More than 60 events will be held to showcasethis part of the city’s vibrant cultural and creative arts scene. It’s the birthplace of cultural giants like Van Morrison, Gary Moore of Thin Lizzy fame and George Best. There’s theatre, literature, music, and cabaret staged in great venues like the refurbished Templemore Baths and the Harland and Wolff Staff Club. Among the experiences on offer will be comedy at Banana Block, a walking tour for foodies and a free family fun day at CS Lewis Square to celebrate the event’s 10th birthday.
2. Classic Bike Festival Ireland, Downpatrick, County Down, 4-6 August. For a celebration of motorcycling Bishopscourt Racing Circuit is the venue. There’ll be track racing for Classic Superbikes 250GP as well as Classic GP 250/350 machines and sidecars. As well as the action on the track fans can see 100’s of rare motorcycles in the display marquee.
3. Games of the Past, Armagh, County Armagh, 5August. Discover how a Celtic clan would have used games as a fun way to train their young warriors in the art of battle! It’s all part of Lughnasa celebrations, the ancient festival celebrating the beginning of harvest time. There’ll be an assault course and target practice with the chance use a spear and javelin! You can also meet some of nature’s most skilled hunters: eagles, falcons, and hawks.
4. Honey Fair, Hillsborough, County Down 5-6 August.‘Bee’ Inspired and learn more about the vital role honeybees play in our environment set against this beautiful backdrop. Savour the sweetness and sample mouth-watering local food and drink from more than 50 artisan producers. Discover how to make your garden bee-friendly, speak to beekeepers and experience food demonstrations with the likes of local chef and food writer Paula McIntyre.
5. Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark,County Fermanagh. Straddling Fermanagh in Northern Ireland and County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland, this global geopark is simply breath-taking. Take in the views of stunning waterfalls, lakes and gently rolling drumlin as well as spectacular cliffs and hidden caves. Explore prehistoric tombs, Iron Age forts and early Christian monasteries. This is an ideal destination for anyone with a love of the great outdoors.
6. Strangford Lough Adventure Centre: Full Moon Paddle, Strangford Lough, County Down, 1 August. A unique way to experience the water and the beauty of the full moon. Departing at twilight on a kayak, SUP or canoe be guided by an instructor around the islands of the Lough. Take in the mystical atmosphere and weather permitting great view of the stars before returning to dry land for hot chocolate and treats. Weather dependent.
7. Island Town Dinner & Cruise, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 1-6 August. Enjoy a two-hour cruise onboard the MV Kestrel around Lough Erne before stopping off in one of four of the town’s finest eateries to have dinner. You will then be given a £15 Voucher to bring to your chosen venue and use it as you please.
8. Bad Bridget Banner Making, Omagh, County Tyrone,5 August. Join Fiona McDonnell, the illustrator behind the Bad Bridget exhibition artwork, for a banner making workshop based on her work as part of the exhibition.Throughout history, political and social movements such as these have always utilised the power of banners for group solidarity and to communicate their message of change. Taking the Bad Bridget exhibition as a starting point, this workshop will be a creative exploration in banner making for a cause you care about, or just a relaxing way to spend your afternoon!
9. Benone Artisan Market, Limavady, County Londonderry, 5 August. Benone artisan market by Naturally North Coast and Glens is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience. The stallholders are themselves producers – people who grow, make, create, style, rear, craft, design or bake the products that they sell. It's a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours, stumble upon raw talent, unearth entrepreneurship, nurture bygone mastery, and to savour a unique, buzzing atmosphere.
10. August Craft Month 2023, across Northern Ireland ,1-6 August. This is a must for all makers and lovers of things handmade and artisan. With over 150 events taking place across Northern Ireland, including courses in everything from jewellery making to basketweaving there’s the opportunity to learn a new skill! Open studio events allow you to see high skilled craftspeople at work. This year’s theme is “Pathways”, inspiring people to begin their own creative journey.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/
